Welcome to the archive of the John Barleycorn blog, produced by Howard Gayton and Rex Van Ryn during the process of creating their graphic novel John Barleycorn Must Die. As part of that process, you'll find discussions of magic, of creativity, and 'Around the Table' discussions with a range of internationally known artists, writers and film makers. The graphic novel was printed in a limited edition, so if you managed to get one, good for you! Although this project is over now, we're leaving this blog online as an archive and as a snap shot in time.

Monday, 13 May 2013

Vali goes to Bristol Comic Con!

This weekend, we went to Bristol Comic Con. Our first outing to promote the book! We were accompanied by Jason Ofengland dressed up as the shamanic Earth God, Vali, from the John Barleycorn Must Diegraphic novel.

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Vali flexes his muscles.

He seemed to get on well with other heroes....

Vali agrees to join forces with the caped crusader....

...and Wonder Woman!

...but then flirted for a while with the Dark Side.

From L to R: Storm Trooper, Earth God & Sith Lord.

Here he is at the photo call with Rex, who was, as usual, camera shy!

Wherever he went, Vali seemed to be a hit amongst various female attendees. Rex couldn't understand why, though assumed it must something to do with the magical spirals that Rex had drawn on Vali's face. Myself, Howard, thinks it more likely the long blond hair, toned body and bulging muscles!

Vali and admiring fan No:1

Vali and admiring fan No: 95

Vali and admiring fans Nos: 1580 & 1581

At the end of the day, Jason Ofengland seemed to have become so associated with the role, that he wandered off into the crowd, convinced that he really was Vali.

Vali wanders off into the crowd.

We haven't seen him since. If you see him wandering around your part of the world, please let us know.

AROUND THE TABLE WITH:

These posts are our chats, over coffee and croissants, with various interesting people that we were lucky enough to sit 'around the table with.' So pull up a chair, help yourself to pain-au-chocolat, and join us as we talk with...

Alan Lee -Oscar-winning production designer of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Nostalgia!

ABOUT THE NOVEL:

A 238 page metaphysical mystery.

The magician-sleuth John Barleycorn is charged by a mysterious woman to protect a young girl from a sinister fraternity known as The Kingdom. In doing so, he is forced to undertake a quest into the darkest reaches of his mind as he races against time to prevent 'Sky-fall,' and the enslavement of humanity.

Howard Gayton:

writer

I studied drama at Exeter University in Devon, then co-founded the Commedia Dell 'Arte company Ophaboom Theatre. The following twenty years were spent writing, directing and performing shows throughout Europe, wearing masks, tights, and funny wigs. In my forties, I returned to Exeter University to study the history of Western Esotericism. I now live at the edge of Dartmoor with my wife, Terri Windling, and our dog Tilly.

Rex Van Ryn:

Magician Occult Artist

For many years, Rex studied and honed his considerable mystical knowledge, through hands-on experience as well as academia. He literally flew sailed and motored around the world, working with the bare hands healers of the Philippines, the Shamans of the Peruvian jungles, Mobos and Houngans of Luisiana and the Sami peoples of Scandinavia to name but a few.

Read the full story by clicking on the drawing above.

Contact:

www.rexvanryn.com

We respectfully point out that all original art and text on this page is under copyright by the individual artists and writers and appears here with their permission.